Phytanthoza Iconographia: Plate 500: Faba Major – Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £125
Publication Date: Not dated but 1737-1745
Format: Original hand-coloured copper engraving
Condition: In near fine condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 44.8cm x 40.6cm

Condition:

Dating from 1737-1745, these are plates from ‘Phytanthoza Iconographia’, one of the most important botanical works of the 18th century. The illustrations for this florilegium were by Georg Dionysius Ehret and the engravings by Seuter and Ridinger. It is widely considered to be the first botanical work to use colour engraved prints. Original fold lines. Very minor age toning else in near fine, bright, clean condition. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: Weinmann folder: 002068

Faba Major: A Short Description

Faba Major refers to the broad bean or fava bean, scientifically known as Vicia faba, a species of legume that has been cultivated for thousands of years for its edible seeds. It is a member of the pea and bean family, Fabaceae, and is one of the oldest cultivated plants, dating back to ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean and the Near East.

Key Characteristics:

• Plant Description: The broad bean plant is an erect, annual herb that grows up to 1-2 metres in height. It has sturdy stems, oval leaves, and white flowers with dark spots.
• Pods and Seeds: The broad bean produces large, flattened green pods that contain multiple seeds (beans). The seeds are large and can be green, brown, white, or purple, depending on the variety.
• Size: The term “Faba Major” is used to denote larger varieties of fava beans, as opposed to smaller varieties.

Culinary Uses:

Broad beans are widely used in cooking across many cultures:

• Fresh: In many parts of the world, broad beans are eaten fresh, boiled, or steamed. Young, tender beans are often eaten whole in their pods.
• Dried: Dried broad beans are also used in various dishes, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, where they are used in dishes like ful medames (a traditional Egyptian dish).
• Purees and Soups: The beans are often used in soups, stews, and purees, such as fava bean dip or in traditional falafel recipes.

Nutritional Value:

Fava beans are a highly nutritious legume:

• Protein: They are rich in plant-based protein, making them an important food source in vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Fibre: They are a good source of dietary fibre, promoting digestion and supporting gut health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fava beans provide essential vitamins like vitamin B6, folate, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Agricultural Importance:

Broad beans are often grown as a cover crop in agriculture because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps improve soil fertility. They are tolerant of cooler climates and are grown in various regions around the world.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

Broad beans have been a staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian diets for millennia. They were consumed by ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, and remain a popular food crop in many parts of the world.

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann: A Short Biography

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683–1741) was a German apothecary and botanical illustrator, best known for his ambitious botanical work “Phytanthoza Iconographia”, one of the first large-scale botanical publications to use colour printing techniques. His contributions to botanical science and art remain significant due to the precision and beauty of the illustrations in this monumental work.

Early Life and Career

Weinmann was born on March 13, 1683, in Gardelegen, Germany. Little is known about his early life and education, but it is believed that he trained as an apothecary. He later moved to Regensburg, where he established himself as a successful pharmacist and herbalist. His deep interest in plants, herbs, and their medicinal properties grew during his time working in this field.

Apothecary and Botanist

In Regensburg, Weinmann became a prominent figure within the city’s apothecary and botanical circles. He was appointed as an apothecary to the city and managed a successful pharmacy. His knowledge of medicinal plants led him to compile information on various species, both local and exotic, and their medicinal uses. His desire to document plants in a comprehensive way led to the creation of his “Phytanthoza Iconographia”, an illustrated botanical text that would become his life’s work and enduring legacy.

Phytanthoza Iconographia

Between 1737 and 1745, Weinmann published “Phytanthoza Iconographia”, a multi-volume botanical work that contains over 1,000 hand-coloured engravings of plants. The project was highly ambitious, and it became one of the first large botanical works to use colour printing methods, specifically mezzotint, to produce vivid, life-like representations of plants.

• The work was executed by multiple artists and engravers under Weinmann’s direction. Notable among them were Georg Dionysius Ehret, who later became one of the most famous botanical illustrators of the 18th century, and Bartholomäus Seuter. Ehret contributed many of the early plates, but after a dispute with Weinmann, he left the project.
• Phytanthoza Iconographia featured plants from Europe as well as species newly discovered in the Americas and Asia, making it a valuable resource for both scientists and horticulturists of the time. The illustrations were praised for their accuracy and artistic quality, helping to advance the knowledge of botany and horticulture during a period of rapid exploration and scientific discovery.

Contributions to Science and Art

Weinmann’s work was notable for its detailed and systematic approach to documenting plants. It provided a comprehensive guide to plant taxonomy, using illustrations to aid in the identification of species. The combination of scientific rigour and artistic achievement in Phytanthoza Iconographia made it a key reference for botanists and gardeners throughout Europe.

The book also marked a significant advancement in the printing industry. The use of colour mezzotint—a technique that allowed for richer and more nuanced colour in printed images—was revolutionary at the time, and the accuracy of the plant depictions influenced botanical illustration for generations.

Personal Life and Legacy

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann passed away on March 1741, before the completion of his magnum opus. However, his work continued to be published posthumously, and it remained highly regarded in both botanical and artistic circles. Weinmann’s legacy lies in his pioneering approach to botanical illustration and his role in advancing the understanding of plant species and their medicinal properties. Phytanthoza Iconographia remains a valuable historical document and is still admired today for both its scientific importance and its aesthetic appeal.

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• Authenticity and Provenance: Every engraving is thoroughly researched and verified for authenticity.
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